A new woodland of 70 trees is being created in Richmond Park as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative.

The number of trees has been selected to celebrate the 70 years of The Queen's reign and mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

They are being planted across an area that is slightly larger than two standard football pitches in the western part of the park, close to Ham Cross plantation.

The area, which is alongside one stretch of the Tamsin Trail, will be transformed into a tranquil woodland for visitors.

Initially it will be planted with climate resilient tree species, including oak, Dutch Elm-resistant elm, small-leaved lime and sweet chestnut.

The 70 trees will be planted around a focal point which is likely to incorporate a seating area, for rest and reflection.

In this central area, the larger canopy trees will be complemented by smaller trees such as hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, elder and dogwood.

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The project is costing £100,000 and will be funded by The Royal Parks with support from The Friends of Richmond Park and People's Postcode Lottery through 'Help Nature Thrive'.

It is envisaged that the woodland will provide a habitat to support and sustain a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered white-letter hairstreak butterfly and the cardinal click beetle.

Planting of the trees will start in the late autumn and this work will be celebrated with a series of community activities.

Park Manager, Simon Richards, said: "This new woodland will mark 70 years of Her Majesty The Queen's reign by providing a welcoming community space for rest and relaxation, we hope that will inspire discovery and enjoyment of the natural environment for generations to come.

"Climate change is the in forefront of our minds and by selecting climate-resilient trees and shrubs that will also support an increasing biodiversity we hope this woodland will enhance and help protect this important National Nature Reserve, which provides vital green space on the edge of the capital, for millions of visitors each year."

Roger Hillyer, Chair of the Friends of Richmond Park, said: "We're delighted to be supporting this exciting initiative for Richmond Park which celebrates Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

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"The Queen's fondness for trees means this woodland will be a fitting legacy in her honour.

"The new woodland chimes with the Friends' aim of promoting the conservation, protection and improvement of the Park's natural environment."

The woodland will be fenced to protect trees from browsing deer. However, it will be free to access via gates and open to the public whenever the park is open.